Check Out NKBA's Top 10 Kitchen Trends for 2017

This month, the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) published their Top 10 Kitchen Trends for 2017. Conducted online in August/September 2016, the NKBA surveyed 562 of its members from across North America. Here's a look at the major trends that came out the survey.

1. Contemporary kitchens have overtaken traditional styles for the first time.

Although transitional designs remain the most popular, traditional kitchen design has dropped to the third most popular style and is expected to keep declining. 

2. White and grey painted cabinets and colour schemes will continue to dominate.

Photo courtesy of Cambria. Shown: Carrick.

Blue painted and high gloss cabinets styles, as well as blue and black colour schemes are also trending upward. 

"I'm happy to see that the light/dark and simple grey/white contrast finishes, with is a true and basic design tenant, is making its way back into the mix...and it should...for good reason," says Monarch designer Chantal Miller. "Countertops and cabinets are significant to change in your home so this elegant, yet simple, combination allows homeowners to protect their large renovation invest by using other inexpensive parts of their space...paint colour, backsplash, draperies...to add the fluid, fun and trendy colours for years to come."

3. Emerging trends of mixed colours, including varying countertop materials and mixed cabinet finishes.

This includes exaggerated two-toned effects, darks with lights and lights with darks. Several of those surveyed mentioned blending quartz countertops with wood.

4. The use of metal cabinetry is on the rise.

Although wood cabinets are still the top choice for most designers, metal cabinets appear to be a favourite of both younger and male designers.

5. Furniture-look pieces, rollouts, pullouts and under-cabinet lighting are popular cabinet features.

Simplicity is key, with flat-panel doors, flush inset, on the rise. Drawers are also popular. The bigger the better! On the downswing? Crown moulding and built-in desks. 

6. Quartz countertops are the favourite, with granite continuing its trend downward.

Photo courtest of Cambria. Shown: Swanbridge

 

7. Induction cooktops, convection ovens and microwave drawers are trending higher.

 

8. Kitchen technology is on the rise.

A whopping 31 per cent of NKBA professionals included wiring and pathways for future tech integration in their kitchen designs. Docking stations and appliances connected to the internet are also on the rise.

9. Barn doors and pocket doors are becoming a popular choice in the kitchen.

 

10. Accessible and universal design features continue to be popular.

Moen Home Care Products Make Home Safety Stylish

Sacrificing the beauty of your home is no longer a necessity when you’re looking after others or taking care of yourself.

Moen’s Home Care line includes a variety of products designed to make home safety easier without sacrificing style.

Monarch designers often design spaces for individuals choosing to stay in their homes well after retirement, or “age in place.” Special considerations like hand grips and grab bars in shower bathrooms can make life easier, but homeowners often put off installing them because of their sterile, institutional feel.

Thanks to Moen, this is not the case. “Moen has many products that not only enhance the safety of your home, but they are stylish too,” says Monarch designer Amanda Willson-Suppa. “You no longer have to sacrifice your stylish bathroom for added safety features.”

Photos courtesy of moen.ca. 

Addressing the Need for Kitchen and Bathroom Design Solutions for "Aging in Place"

As the "baby boomer" generation approaches the age of retirement, their need to downsize or retrofit their existing homes has become a priority.

Lessons learned from watching their own parents deal with the challenges of getting older and finding a safe place to live has no doubt inspired the "aging in place" movement.

From the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC): Impacts of the Aging of the Canadian Population on Housing and Communities
(2008) [Research Highlight]

“There will be profound changes in the age structure of the Canadian population over the next 25 years. These changes will transform our communities and significantly affect housing. Population aging is taking place in a society that is being reshaped by a range of remarkable demographic and socio-economic trends. These include changes in family size and structure, increasing numbers of immigrants with family traditions very different from those of earlier generations, a growing number of persons living alone and new urban dynamics with increased concern for sustainability in the face of urban sprawl.

Other significant trends include the intent of many of today’s near retirees to continue working beyond the traditional retirement age, the increasing participation by women in the workforce and the tendency of young adults to stay longer in their parents’ homes.

An aging population will change the pattern of housing needs and preferences, alter the nature of the demand for services, change transportation requirements, accentuate the need for making communities more responsive to people with disabilities and challenge existing neighbourhood design and community planning practices.

The increasing desire of seniors to “age in place” (that is, to continue to live in their current home and familiar community for as long as possible, even if their health changes) will have major policy implications for housing and communities. It will create a need for housing adaptations and other supports; for more innovative housing options; and for planning and zoning changes.”

At Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre, we understand the challenges involved in designing a home which allows you to "age in place." Kitchen and bath suppliers such as Kohler do, as well.

Below are two videos which illustrate some of the options available to help you live safely in your home for as long as possible. If you're considering renovating your home as you age in place, drop by our Pickering showroom or make an appointment with a member of our design team by calling 905-686-2001.

Universal Kitchen and Bath Design Ideas from Kohler

As a large percentage of our population approaches retirement, more and more kitchen and bath suppliers are offering not just practical solutions to staying in your home longer, but stylish ones as well.

In these videos from Kohler, Carol Schalla and Cynthia Leibrock offer suggestions on how to stylishly incorporate universal features into your kitchen and bathroom.

Videos courtesy of Kohler.